Utrecht will be targeting their first win in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League when they host Porto on Thursday. The Dutch side’s overall form has been unconvincing lately, and they face the former champions, who have impressed on their travels.
It has been a poor league phase campaign so far for Utrecht, who have lost their opening three matches. Ron Jans’ men were beaten 2-0 at Freiburg in their previous fixture.
Utrecht’s overall form has been dodgy lately, having lost four of their last six matches in all competitions. However, they are unbeaten in their last three home matches, picking up a 1-0 victory over Nijmegen in an Eredivisie fixture last weekend.
Porto have reasons to be pleased with their league phase campaign so far, having picked up two wins from their three matches. However, they will head into this clash looking to bounce back from the 2-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest last time out.
The Portuguese giants have earned three wins from their last four matches across all competitions, including a 2-1 home victory over Braga in a domestic clash last weekend. Francesco Farioli’s men have also impressed on their travels, winning seven of their last eight away matches in all competitions.
How the bookies view it: Bookies backing Porto
Porto have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 7/10 by BOYLE Sports to claim the victory. Utrecht are considered outsiders, with a home win valued at 3/1, while a draw is set at odds of 14/5.
Head to head: Porto on top
Porto did the double when they faced Utrecht in the UEFA Cup back in 1982. The Portuguese side earned a 1-0 away victory before claiming a 2-0 home win in the second meeting.
Players to watch: Eyes on Samu
Samu Aghehowa remains the biggest attacking threat for Porto, having scored nine goals in all competitions this season. The striker will be keen to maintain his scoring run (Samu Aghehowa anytime goalscorer – priced at 13/10 with BOYLE Sports).
In the absence of top scorer Victor Jensen, Utrecht will look to David Min to provide the spark in attack. The forward has four goals in all competitions this season and could be worth keeping an eye on (David Min anytime goalscorer – valued at odds of 11/4).
Probable line-ups:
Jansen is ruled out for Utrecht with a muscle problem, while Mike van der Hoorn and Niklas Vesterlund are also sidelined. Min was a second-half substitute last weekend and could earn a start while Nick Viergever is set to continue at the back.
Porto are without Nehuen Perez and Luuk de Jong, who are both sidelined with injury. Samu is expected to lead the line, with Rodrigo Mora providing support, while Jakub Kiwior is set to feature in defence.
Utrecht: Barkas, El Karouani, Viergever, Didden, Horemans, Zechiel, de Wit, Engwanda, Rodriguez, Blake, Min.
Porto: Costa, Moura, Kiwior, Bednarek, Costa, Froholdt, Varela, Gomes, Mora, Pepe, Samu.
Anything else catch the eye?
Porto have scored over 1.5 goals in three of their last four away matches (Porto over 1.5 goals – available at 8/11 on BOYLE Sports). Both teams have scored in the Portuguese side’s last two matches (BTTS YES – offered at 7/10).
Three of Porto’s last four away matches have produced over 2.5 goals – set at odds of 8/11.
Utrecht vs Porto Betting Tips & Predictions
Porto to win
7/10
Boylesports
Porto over 1.5 goals
8/11
Boylesports
Over 2.5 goals
8/11
Boylesports
